A NOTICE of vacancy has been issued following the death of a popular councillor. 

Cllr Brian Blakeley, a Rhyl Town councillor and Denbighshire County Councillor, died aged 82 on October 28 following a five day stay in hospital; the former postman had collasped at home.

Denbighshire County Council have issued a notice of election following cllr Blakeley's death. The vacancy notice is for: One county councillor for the Denbighshire County Council Electoral Ward - Rhyl Tŷ Newydd and one town councillor for the Rhyl Town Council Rhyl Tynewydd Ward.

Cllr Blakeley took up the position of town councillor in 1999. He was a Denbighshire County councillor from 2003, which included a term as Denbighshire County Council chairman in 2014/15, and he served as Rhyl town mayor in 2006/2007.

He was married to Evelyn for 37 years [the couple had been together for 40 years]. He was father to Michelle, Claire and John and had eight grandchildren; Rebecca, Seren, Sophia, Rosie, Caitlin, Lucy, Beth and Philip. He was also a great-grandad to Kyron, aged two.

Paying tribute to her father, Michelle, who was elected a town councilor for Rhyl Trellewelyn ward in 2021, said: "Dad had a genuine love for Rhyl and its people and would always dedicate his time to attend various community events, meetings, and campaigns. His infectious enthusiasm and commitment to help improve the lives of the people of Rhyl earned him countless admirers across all walks of life."

RELATED STORIES

Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate should contact the Returning Officer to obtain nomination papers either at Room 235 County Hall, Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 1YN (By appointment Only), by telephone on 01824 706000 or online from the Electoral Commission website: County Council Electoral Ward www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/local-elections-wales; Rhyl Town Council Ward www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/community-council-elections-wales.

Completed nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer no later than 4pm on Friday, January 13 2023.

Nomination papers for Denbighshire County Council may be emailed to: Countycouncil.candidates@denbighshire.gov.uk

Nomination papers for Rhyl Town Council may be emailed to: Communitycouncil.candidates@denbighshire.gov.uk

Should any election be contested, polling will take place on Thursday, February 9 2023.